Snek Snop (since everyone else is doin it!): 20

Falkas nods once confirmation is giving and heads down first, intending to lead the group passed the underground denizens. The sewer is dark and foul smelling though this is to be expected. A short walkway of brick is cut down the middle where the sewer water flows down towards the ocean and out of the city. Falkas lights a lantern to provide some visibility to those who can't see well in the dark. Falkas walks forward deeper into the sewer. His steps are light and hardly noticeable even to those with keen hearing. The pace is slower that normal, knowing the dangers that lurk here.

Time seems slower. If feels like you've been walking for hours when it's only been a few minuets. Any time now you should hear a commotion above you. Continuing down the sewers you take several twists and turns in this otherwise maze like sewer system. Still Falkas seems to know where hes going, occasionally referencing strange symbols carved into the sewer walls. About halfway through the sewers you see movement in the water. Falkas raises a hand indicating for the party to stop.  He draws a dagger and prepares for some sort of incoming attack but one never comes. However from behind you a crocodile silently pokes its head out of the water. Unseen by Falkas, the crocodile speaks to Happy. Ah I see you're back! Welcome! I talked to the others like you said! I think they came around to the idea. Well....they won't bother you anyway. Not sure they'll step outside. Are there your friends?

 Happy crouches down and smiles as if greeting an old friend. Albeit its a toothless one, well understanding the subtle signals of the wild carrying greater weight. He then says something in that sing-songey otherwordly language again, likely alerting the others by then of the croc's presence:

 After 'singing' his piece and recieving an answer, Happy belatedly looks up the others and gives them a thumbs up, as well as any relevant news about croc support. "Now I say, I would ask that we keep the twitchy trigger fingers to a minimum while we're down here. They may be friends of mine, and by extension, you. But, that don't mean they'll take kindly to catching a dagger, if you catch my drift."

As Happy speaks Falk (and everyone else) would now be aware of the crocs presence. Falk maintains his cool however even sighing in relief when Happy seem to be talking to it and it not attacking anyone.

The croc considers Happys words for a moment before saying Sure! More for me it is! Tho Big Daddy Al is just up ahead with his crew. If you can convince him I'd feel a lot safer than going up by myself. Just...don't make him mad. Hes the type to bite first and ask questions later ya feel me? The croc then takes its leave, heading towards and exit big enough for it.

When Happy relays the info to the party Falkas puts his dagger away and says Okay...so big croc up ahead....wait Big Daddy Al? What kind of...never mind. I know a way around if we want to avoid it. If you want to try to talk to it we can keep going but it sounds like its temperamental. Not sure we can afford a fight. So what's the call?

"Yo, I feel you, man. I feel ya. But no worries, you leave Big Daddy Al and crew to me." Happy calls after for the Croc's benefit before turning with his explanation. After Falkas at least makes his offer, a confident Happy says, "Don't worry my *ahem*... Now I say, I do believe I can handle Big Daddy Al. Just give me a chance to talk with him, and I'll have everything taken care of." He said. "But, in the interest of equality, if the rest of you feel otherwise, I'll understand. But all I ask is a chance for us to have quite the powerful ally on our side... More or less."

The croc's appearance did startle Nadia slightly, she having to very quickly remind herself that this was a friend not a foe before she reached back for an arrow to shoot. She had to admit that Happy had did a very good job at making friends with all the local wildlife, watching how the two spoke with one another with ease, almost as if they had been friends for a long time. 

Once Happy let's them in on what the two had discussed and Falkas had proposed another way, Nadia listens to Happy then weighs in with her opinion. "If... you're confident that you can work things out, Happy. I'm fine with whatever is decided, but, personally, I have to agree with Falkas. We can't risk getting into a fight down here. If there's a way around, um, 'Big Daddy Al', I'd prefer taking that route."

Zack had more or less been ready for anything the moment they came down there, and glad of Falkass's light saving him the effort of making him his own.. as well as making Falkass more of a target than everyone else. Zack didnt like the smell any more than Nadia but this was a situation of 'do what needs to be done, and aside from scrunching his face a bit, he dealt with the situation more or less as an unpleasant but necessary task. As they proceeded further in, while the crocs existence neither surprised him, nor scared him, he did feel the cold shiver of the unexpected visit down his spine - Like when a friend jumps out at you when you least expect it. Zack had kept in min d that Happy had been talkign to animals of all sorts, and remembered his earlier explanation of the sewer beasts so he had mentally readied himself. If not for Happy's explanation, he may have been more caught off guard, and reactionary. 

He did still flinch for his sword for a moment before watching the scene play out. Once all was said and shared, Zack would put in his two cents I'm willing to try. The more backup we get, the better it will be anyway. And you've done a good job thus far. But since they only know about you really, I'd say go in by yourself, so the croc or alligator.. whatever it is doesn't feel there's more at play than needed. And it will show him some respect. Just make sure to emphasize there will be a lot of.. 'meat' up there.

Happy only appears to think about for a few seconds before nodding in agreement with Zack. "Depending on how far ahead Big Papa Al is, it aughta take me no more than a few minutes at most. Precious time, for sure, but every bit of support counts." Happy cracks his neck a few times, then concentrates for a few seconds. Mystical breeze whips up about him, obscuring his form just long enough for a more spiny back, deep blue, and literal yellow bellied crocodile to take Happy's face. Oddly enough, the mask he wore seemed to almost melded and reshaped to fit the new form.

With a final hiss to the party, he too slunk into the waters and swam his away ahead, taking with him the mystical shroud in the process. But he didn't think so far. Just as he hadn't thought in hindsight to stay 'Happy-Happy', instead of a potential rival to Big Al. Nevermind his ability to use an emergency charm to maybe sway things... uh oh.... When he does see the gator he greets him warmly, still maintaining a few gifts of nature and teachings of the shepherd.

Visuals:

Happy swims along further into the sewer in search of Bid Daddy Al. Not too much further ahead Happy is greeted by a large gathering of Crocodiles laying in a large cistern. Looking around there is no sign of Big Al but the other gators take note of Happys presence and don't seem to thrilled. After Happy greets everyone a large form makes itself known from the center of the room. Out of the water an absolutely massive albino croc emerges from the water. He glares at happy with red eyes that appear to be full of hate and malice. Who cares enter out territory!? I do not recognize you! Why have you come here? Speak quick or get bit son.

After facing down the Thunder Lizards of Chult, Happy isn't intimidated in the least, and more confused by the hate and malice. 'Now I say! What is is -- Oh! I get it now.' He thought, and would even nod internally at some understanding or other. Croco-Happy dims down the casual attitude both in expression (as much as a Croc can express) and general air before addressing Big Daddy Al.

"Speak quick? That I can do for you! Name's Happy. I believe Little Tommy spoke on my behalf the other day in regards to you and some of your crew, on a offer of some surface raiding. Risky business, I know, and as the Big Boss of these here tunnels, I can understand your reluctance to leave your kingdom without ruler, as it were. But, word on the street is that there's this one place atop that's gonna be hit hard /reaaal/ soon. Causing ALL kinds of chaos, you feel me? The kind of chaos that will allow you and yours not only a chance to feast on more fine meals then whatever floats down here, stumbles down here, or you catch in the big waters." He said.

"And not only that, your greatness, but this place we be hitting has that good two legger meats as well you can snatch up if'n your feeling it. And not that rare scrawny kid or dumbass fisherman meat. Naw! I'm tolk'n the kind of nobliest of meat. Meat that won't leave you feel'n like shit'n bricks later cause the ****s don't know how to take care of themselves. And ain't it about time you remind those surfaces why you the real ruler of this city, and that they should be dropping Big Daddy Al proper tribute?"  He asked, feeling out the absolute Unit of a crocodile with various view points, before hammering down on the one.

Persuasion: 14.
(Spending that inspiration to re-roll that 2!: 15. 14 is still my best.)

Big Al considers your words for a moment before finally moving closer to get a better look at you. As you say, going up top is quite risky. Sure, the food is better, but what good is food if they kill us with their pointed metal? My crew and I are content here, besides, it seems some two legged meat has wandered down here, or is my nose lying? Perhaps even you might make a decent meal. Big Daddy Al walks back to the center of the cistern to relax in the water. Hmm...but there is  also a sense of excitement in challenging the two legged ones up top. Tell me. Why are you so keen on getting my crew to do the chomping for you hmm?

(will wait till the Tim Allen Ted Talk is over. AKA TATT)

Happy doesn't shrink away from Big Al for even a moment. He already got enough of a feel for the larger beasts confidence in himself, so any show of cowardice would only invite wrath. That is to say, or so his instincts quietly conveyed in those first few moments. "I'm glad you asked! The first and most obvious reason? Is 'cause you guys look so big and tough that a few bits of pointed metal -- pfft, ain't got nothin' on those scales, or the honed inscints of specimens such as yoselves."

"Secondly? They had coming, let's be fair. You don't get to live in someone's kingdom without showing at least some proper respect, you feel me? Thirdly-" He pauses, and looks around as if searching for something before nodding nodding to himself. "Thirdly, some of the two leggers have been setting up to do some really ****ed up things. The kind of things that might over turn your rulership, Boss. With dark ju-ju and so forth. Now, I got together some other -special case- two leggers to help "remedy" the situation. They be the ones you smelling. But they still two leggers, you know. Unlike the ones I be planning to royally **** the day of, these guys here? They ain't been corrupted, and have beef with the others anyhow. So, its a win-win, as far as I'm concerned." He expresses.

"You get the show your dominance, get some good grub for once, and keep the ****ers from ******* up your territory without having to deal with the truly tough guys among the two leggers. 'cause that's where the one's I brought will deal with namely. Unless you and yours wanna go that far that is."

Big Al considers your words carefully before you see a toothy smile form across his maw. Hehe...perhaps you're right. Perhaps it's time for a proper feast. All right everyone! Start moving out, the two leggers up top are in for a surprise! The other gators in the room slam their tails against the ground as a sort of mix between applause and war cry. They start to make their way towards the exit with Al leading the way. Before leaving Big Al looks to you and says If you and your two legged friends are still here when we return, the feast will continue. Then he jumps into the water and starts swimming with his crew to the exit.

Zack and Nadia, while waiting you eventually hear several loud banging sounds from the other room. Shortly after a absolute monster of an alligator followed by several smaller ones start swimming passed you, giving you evil looks as the head towards the exit.

Nadia had been playing with the tail-end of her braid as Happy negotiated with the gators, trying to keep herself distracted from thinking negatively. The druid was capable of doing this, no doubts, so why was she so worried? A sigh passes her lips. Stop being such a worry wort, everything is going to be fine. She looks to perk up at the sounds of banging and splashing coming from the other room were Happy had been, her eyes widening at the sight of the gators making their way past them.

After a moment of silence, she looks to the other two. "D-Did we just get evil eyed by a bunch of alligators?" She asks back to Zack and Falkas for clarification.

Happy-Croc suppress a gulp, and just nods in agreement. A tense few moments of silence pass before Happy eventually emerges from the chamber swimming along until he reached the others. He tries to commune with them initially, but then remembering his shape, lets out a hiss that almost sounded like a chuckle. The croc turned firbolg reverts back on the landing after, and giving the sense of beaming behind the mask.

"Well I do say that we'll be having some powerful allies, more or less. Though I would suggest we be staying out of their way as much as possible. They won't do us no harm up top, but may be doing so later." He admits, then turns to their elven guide; who was a bit harder to see now that the gloom of his magic overtook him once more. "Now how about we continue on our way. Time is growing short, after all."

Zack has been tapping his foot the entire time. Not out of lack of patience, rather, a habit of his when either bored, nervous, or uncertain. The time that passed, though it was likely ultimately very short, it still felt like a lifetime. Mainly he was thinking if it did somehow fail, he just sent Happy to his death, and they would soon be fighting a mass of crocs. But at the same time, with how much success the man had pulling a snow-white the last few days, if it succeeded, not only would the guardsmen be caught entirely unawares, by the crocs.. the cats.. the birbs, and whatever else Happy had managed to convince they would think themselves under siege.... Man... if woodcasters really wanted to, they could be better at warcraft than anyone else... bringign to bear the very earth and creatures like this. Good thing they generally.. don't ha.

The entire time, he atleast kept Falkass in his peripherals, still not trusting the man, and likely he never would. Eventually though a croc approaches, hisses and becomes happy, and upon hearing the good news, he says Good. Makes this easier, and glad you didn't get eaten! And if that's the case.... then we can count the sewers out as an escape route. Luckily I planned for that with these hooks. Means after we do what we have to, we'll need to make for the first staircase or tower near the walls, and shimmy down. After that.. I expect a merry chase through the streets. Man this whole operation is going to be one for the bards. Either way, lets not overstay our welcome, and keep our momentum going. You ready to keep moving Falkass?

Falkas looks just as surprised at Nadia to see the gates giving them the evil eye, giving a slow nod in agreement to her question. When happy gives the news an audible sigh can be heard from the Zhent. Well better that they be allies now, even if they may be foes later. I can also sneak us around if we do end up using the sewers to escape, will be slower but it's an option. Oh, and speaking of escape, not sure if you were told or not but a ship has been arranged. I'll be taking you to Captain Hei of the Prosperous. She's set to depart as soon as you arrive. She'll drop you off in Waterdeep. Should be far enough away where you won't have to worry about being recognized by any authorities here. It'll also be far enough where you won't be in our hair. And before you get any ideas, your reward is on the ship waiting for you and I need to be there in order for you to be allowed on the ship to start with. She doesn't know who to expect and won't let anyone on the ship without my say so. If there's any complaints keep them to yourselves. Now let's go, the sooner we get this done the better.

Without waiting for a response Falkas continues down the sewers, heading directly through the room that was once occupied by crocs. A few more twists and turns later Falkas stops the group again, pointing at a old ladder made of rotten wood. This leads to an area just under the castle. Not many people know about it and the people who do aren't keen to share that knowledge. Should get us in and out without issue. If you're all ready, we can head up now.

Happy had been nodding along up to the last question from Zack. Confused, he cocked his head to the side, and replayed it a couple of times in his head before giving the human a light but disapproving look. But seeing as Falkas paid it no mind in likely lieu of the near death experience, he stayed quiet and continued to follow along behind their half-elven guide.

He would later eye the old ladder, and in distrust of holding up his weight, began running through a mental catalogue of bestial forms best suited before Falkas spoke up again. "I do dare say that I'm ready. Though considering the method of entry's condition, I believe it best I go up last." He said.

Nadia was a bit apprehensive at first when she looked up the ladder, unsure if it could support anyone's weight with the state it was in, but they didn't have many options and time was ticking fast. "I'm ready," She affirms with a nod. "I'm probably the lightest out of all of us, so I'll go first, unless you wanna try going first yourself, Falkas. Promise we'll catch you if you fall!" She jests before continuing. "But, um, please catch me if I fall. Mi culo solo puede amortiguar tanto la caída."

If and when given the okay, she'll start climbing on up!